I just started this game, and I am trying to decide on which class to play. I generally enjoy tanking/pulling, and therefore have been leaning towards a Knight, most likely a paladin.
Before I go down that path, I have a few questions:
1) Do people really use a main tank in this game?
2) Are knights really the best tanks? Or do game mechanics make some other class better?
3) I do enjoy soloing as well. Does any tank class make this possible? I have also considered an Orc Monk or Raider, or a Human Warlord or Gladiator. I guess I could go could elf of some kind, although they are a bit to effete for me :)
I have been trying to get through these messages boards. I really wish they had class specific forums, it would make this so much easier.
I think the DA is the best all around class in the game. Yes, I said it....they can hate aura and life drain in pve, pvp they can take damage, slow you, shield stun you and then run you down with the panther. I am not sure about how the new C5 skills works out for them, but it is looking good.
Paladin gets a huge re-vamp in c5. That Mass-Shackle looks like it's going to be awesome. Their heals are also great if you genuinely enjoy being a helpful tank. If Paladin is appealing to you, go for it. They're easily one of the two best pure tanks. (Those being Paladin and Dark Avenger).
Tanks generally aren't the most effiecient solo'ers at higher levels, but it can be done. the good thing is you won't have too much trouble finding a group if you're a good tank.
At the end of the day, it's not about what's good, though. L2 has an AWFUL grind that we're all helplessly addicted to. If you don't like you class/character, then it won't make half-a-difference how GOOD they are at anything, because you won't want to train them. (Even when you DO enjoy your character the grind sometimes discourages people. :) )
Im DA with buffs vr4 and prophet buffs and panther you can easily clear rooms in catas necros solo. c5 looks to make us MUCH better. Now that people cant kite us anymore we should be able to put full use of our skills on selected targets. Panther wont die instantly either beccause you can keep targets on yourself with hate. The future looks good for tanks.
At the end of the day, it's not about what's good, though. L2 has an AWFUL grind that we're all helplessly addicted to. If you don't like you class/character, then it won't make half-a-difference how GOOD they are at anything, because you won't want to train them. (Even when you DO enjoy your character the grind sometimes discourages people. :) )
I have been leveling a DA, now 52. Its a great class. However, it is a bit tedious if you dont have buffs from a Shilen Elder or Prophet. Now that I am 52 i do see that taking down monsters does take longer. Tanks are not pure damage dealers. People do love to party with me though. Getting groups is not hard. Especially below 52 when there are lots of raid groups going on. I also party with a Gladiator a lot. Now that is a nice class, they do great damage and take some hits too. Of all the tanks, I think the DA is the best all around class to play. Lots of fun too. I almost out ran a pk'er that was atleast lvl 66 on this second class. Its more fun than dieing right away like my mage used to.
Gladiator and Warlord are not tanks. They are melee DD's. They focus more on CAUSING damage up close than taking it. Not the way to go if you want a tank.
DA is better than most tanks for solo, since he has his panther, and Hate skills to keep the mobs off of it. Keep in mind, however, that without buffs from some "defensive mage" (as NC now calls it) it will take you longer and longer to kill mobs your level as your level becomes higher.
One more vote for DA as a good 'general' tank class.
Solo at 52 bites. Tanks are good paired, partied, and buffed....no matter which one you play.
Still, if you like tanking, I don't think you'll go wrong with any of the choices--they basically have/had a bit different magics and different strength sets.
When my clan was active my playing partner was a glad and together, buffed, we did REALLY well pve (bladedancer works great, too).
Use the kitty once you get to b-grade and don't worry about the cost if you have to solo, at least you get to keep all the drops :)
Just don't expect the tank classes to grind up mobs once levels get higher. The patk for a DA is pitiful compared to offensive classes (cause they're a defensive meat shield). They are not and never will be DD's (though that kitty is a really hard hitting little fur-ball).
As for tanking raids with DA? Walk in the park.......
For a solo capable tank, DA all the way. It's by far the most powerful solo tank. If you want a party/raid tank, Paladin/TK. If you want a pvp tank that earns kills, SK.
You can do anything with any of the tanks, but it requires more footwork and tricks to make it happen. But lining up basic play that is how the skillsets orient themselves. At endgame balance is a huge issue in L2 and certain things just don't work anymore so some end up dropping out of the mix. But endgame is a year away if you play hardcore every day. So go ahead and take your time and follow the advice..."PLAY WHAT YOU ENJOY"
Well i enjoy my Paladin with my wolf or hatchling.
He is just one cool char and ppl love you for your heals.
Really i lvl often alone with my wolf or hatch in dragon vally without SS. The wolf adds up a lot damage so i dont really need ss. If you have buffs u dont even need to rest ( like almost all chars ) and the good skills vs undead add up too.
But choose a class you think you will have the most fun on.
you may want to give destroyer another look, they are good in small PvE, but cannot solo well without buffs at higher levels. but i also think thats true of dark avenger, which is another fun class, and also great at tanking. DA is much better at raid bosses, and gets a cute summon. destroyer gets low-hp skills. its a question of what you like to do.